History People Culture

History

The 27th century of the Kali yuga, the Mlechcha
invaders, started attacking North India. Some Bargujar Rajputs moved eastward to central India; they ruled over the Northeastern region of Rajasthan, called Dhundhar, and were referred to as Dhundhela in ancient times, for the region they governed. Later on they called themselves Bundelas and Chandelas; those who were in the ruling class having gotra Kashyap were definitely all Bargujars; they were vassals of Gurjara - Pratihara empire of North India, which lasted from 500 C.E. to 1300 C.E. and at its peak the major monuments were built. The Bargujars also built the Kalinjar fort and Neelkanth Mahadev temple, similar to one at Sariska National Park, and Baroli, being Shiva worshippers

The city was the cultural capital of Chandela Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India from the 10-12th centuries. The political capital of the Chandelas was Kalinjar. The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. The Chandela capital was moved to Mahoba after this time, but Khajuraho continued to flourish for some time. Khajuraho has no forts because the Chandel Kings never lived in their cultural capital.

The whole area was enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 20 square kilometres (8 sq mi).

Today, the temples serve as fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their explicit depiction of sexual life during medieval times. Locals living in the Khajuraho village always knew about and kept up the temples as best as they could. They were pointed out to an Englishman in late 19th century but the jungles had taken a toll on all the monuments.

People

People of Khajuraho are the result of old
traditions, customs and the thoughts of modern world. Many travelers from all over the world come to visit this place. These tourists bring with themselves their own thoughts, believes and lifestyle. Their culture is also adopted by the natives of Khajuraho. Cuisines, language, dressing style; everything has got affected due to Khajuraho tourism. Though Hindi is the main language spoken here but English is also understood and spoken by few people. You can find everything which a traveler looks for; from hotels, restaurants, shopping areas to souvenir shops.

Culture

Khajuraho belong to a small and modest village
of about 3000 denizens living. The village is surrounded by the Dense forests is surrounded the village. The Culture of Khajuraho is much influenced by the ancient culture which prevailed in this region. In those times, Khajuraho was the hub of various forms of arts, dance, music, painting, poetry, astrology and more. Sculptures seen in the temple of Khajuraho depict various emotion of mankind. These emotions are known as the navarasa and include laughter, sorrow, horror, fear, anger, valor, wonder, love and tranquility. Architecture and sculptures of the temples are so intricately blended that each temple looks a huge carving.

By the time last temple was completed, Chandela dynasty had lost its glory forever. Though Khajuraho was the Chandela's capital for some time but most of the times, it was a religious centre. These temples were lost in thick forests but tribal and local villagers worshipped in these temples since the times they were built.

Festival

Khajuraho Dance Festival: During the months of February and March
in Khajuraho the Dance Festival is held, which is actually a weeklong dance festival. This cultural extravaganza is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department and is promoted as one of the major cultural event in Khajuraho. This cultural event takes place at an open-air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta Temple. The Chitragupta temple was built thousands of years ago and is a dedication to the Sun god apart from the Chitragupta temples the Khajuraho Dance festival is also organized at the Vishwanatha Temple that is a dedication to Lord Shiva.

The basic idea behind Khajuraho Dance Festival is to make the current generation aware of the rich cultural heritage of Khajuraho. A number of renowned artists participate in this festival. Dances like Odissi, Kathakali, Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi and Manipuri are performed here at their best by several popular as well as new artists. The artists performing here are honored for their performances. The quality of dance performed here is unmatched in terms of presentation and quality. As the dances performed here are performed with the wonderful backdrop of the sculptures of Khajuraho, they themselves acquire a divine sensitivity in themselves. The brightly lit, shimmering venue also makes the performances beautiful as well as mesmerizing.

Apart from the dance festival, the cultural fair organized here also attracts due attention. Local artisans with different kinds of artifacts and souvenirs exhibit as well as sell their arts in an open market very close to the dance festival venue. This art fair does not only give recognition to the local art form and livelihood to the local artisans, it also helps in spreading the popularity of the art to the places beyond the geographical boundaries. The Khajuraho Dance Festival thus acts as a celebration of the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples as well as its magnificent local art for the coming generation.